Karen is co-founder of Síolta Chroí, a peacebuilder, human rights advocate and yoga teacher whose work bridges social justice and ecological restoration.
Background
Karen Jeffares is a peacebuilder, human rights advocate and grassroots educator living just outside Carrickmacross, County Monaghan. Originally from Kilmacanogue, Co. Wicklow, she co-founded Síolta Chroí with her partner Gareth Conlon, with a vision of restoring and re-engaging both nature and communities across Ireland. Before this work, Karen spent three years as a volunteer with Peace Brigades International's field projects in Guatemala and Colombia, working on community-based peace projects and social justice interventions in Colombia, Guatemala, Nicaragua and on the US–Mexico border. On returning to Ireland she initiated PBI Ireland in 2014.
Approach & philosophy
Karen brings together peacebuilding, human rights and contemplative practice in her work at Síolta Chroí. As an experienced facilitator and yoga teacher, she sees the regeneration of land and the regeneration of people as inseparable — both rooted in restoring relationship, presence and care. Her facilitation supports peer-to-peer learning, embodied practice and the slow, patient work of healing communities and ecosystems together.
Recognition
Karen was featured in a documentary about Síolta Chroí's farming, environment and wellbeing venture, and her work has been profiled in Irish regional and national media.
